A YOUNG Scot has become the first victim of the charity ‘Ice Bucket Challenge’ craze sweeping the internet.

Tragic Cameron Lancaster drowned after plunging over 60ft into freezing water at a disused quarry in Fife, on Sunday evening.

The 18-year-old, from Burntisland, never resurfaced and emergency services recovered his body four hours later.

A source close to the investigation confirmed that the talented musician was taking part in the ice bucket challenge and that officers were currently reviewing mobile phone footage taken at Prestonhill Quarry, near Inverkeithing, as part of the investigation.

Cameron’s devastated family yesterday released a statement describing their tragic loss.

His mother Gillian and dad Jeremy, an engineer, divorced in October 2001 and have since both remarried and Cameron’s 21-year-old brother, Marcus, currently works for the Met Office.

Their joint statement read: “Cameron died in a tragic accident. His death is such a great loss.

“During his short life, he touched so many people with his friendliness, kindness and thoughtful generosity of spirit. He will be hugely missed by his family and friends.

“The family are finding it hard to come to terms with this sudden loss and would ask for privacy at this sad time.”

Charity fundraisers across the world - including famous sports, music and TV stars – donate money to ALS - a motor neurone charity – once they have completed their challenge which usually involves pouring a bucket of water over their heads.

Last night, a spokesman for MND - Motor Neurone Disease Scotland - said that no-one should ever compromise their safety raising money.

He said: “Everyone at MND Scotland is saddened by the death of Cameron Lancaster, and our thoughts are with his family.

“The Ice Bucket Challenge is a simple, safe, and fun activity which has raised more than £130,000 for MND Scotland and involved participants of all ages. We strongly discourage anyone from taking any risks whatsoever, and advise everyone not to attempt anything which might put their safety, or the safety of others, in any danger.”

Inverkeithing councillor, Alice McGarry, who lives close to the scene of the tragedy, added: “This is an awful tragedy. Our thoughts are with the boy’s family. I think that goes without saying. There are rumours and speculation that this tragedy is linked to the ice bucket challenge. Some children have been jumping off the cliffs at the quarry. They have always done that, but it seems there has been a recent increase because of this challenge.

“I saw a video of another boy jumping from one of the edges last week so this could be related.”

A teenager from Burntisland, who wished to remain nameless, confirmed that he and his friends had also travelled to the quarry to film for the ice challenge.

He said: “A lot of people have done their challenge at the quarry once they’ve been nominated. Some jump off a low rock while others go off the high one. Some of my friends have thrown a bucket of water over their heads and made their nominations before jumping.”

Cameron was a former pupil of Inverkeithing High School - where he was the vocalist and bassist with a band named, Free Fall.

Headmaster of the school Iain Yuile referred to his musical talents in a heartfelt tribute.

He said: “Everyone at Inverkeithing High School is shocked and saddened by the news. Cameron was a very popular pupil who had a great passion for drama and music. Most recently he performed at our Annual School Awards Ceremony in June. Our thoughts are with his family at this very difficult time.”

Other friends also paid tribute to the teenager over Facebook and Twitter.

Natalie McGarry said: “Sad day for people in West Fife yesterday. I’ve done it myself but tombstoning can be so dangerous.”

Callum Shaw said: “RIP Cameron Lancaster. Sad to hear about his accident at the quarry in Inverkeithing. Horrible news.”

Twitter user @Amysalteri added: “Rest in piece cameron lancaster such a horrible thing to happen to someone,thoughts to all his friends and family”

A spokesman for Police Scotland said: “Officers received a report shortly before 5pm that a man had disappeared under the water and, following a multi-agency operation also involving the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and the Scottish Ambulance Service, his body was recovered at around 9pm.

“Enquiries are underway to establish the full circumstances of what happened and Police Scotland’s thoughts are with the family at this very difficult time.”